UPDATE 4-Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Internet Freedom Advocate Nizar Zakka

The following statement was issued by Mr. Nizar Zakka’s attorney in the United States, Mr. Jason I. Poblete related to Nizar’s unlawful detention as a hostage in Iran’s Evin detention facility.

Nizar Zakka began a hunger strike on December 8, 2016 to raise awareness about his plight as well as others being unlawfully imprisoned by the Iranian government.

A source inside the detention facility has advised that Nizar has been moved into an area of the facility that houses common criminals, seemingly as a punishment for his continued hunger strike. Mr. Zakka and several other prisoners of conscience have been on prolonged hunger strike, which was noted by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Iran, Ms. Asma Jahangir on January 9.

Mr. Zakka’s attorney has and will continue to press the U.S. State Department and other interested parties to do more to secure the unconditional release of Nizar and all other U.S. hostages.